Chris Dreja, Yardbirds Founding Guitarist, Passes Away at 79

Early Days and Rise With the Yardbirds

Chris Dreja, co-founder and rhythm guitarist of the Yardbirds, has passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with health issues. Born in Surrey, England, in 1945, Dreja helped form the Metropolitan Blues Quartet in 1963 before the group evolved into the Yardbirds. Alongside bandmates Keith Relf, Jim McCarty, and Paul Samwell-Smith, Dreja helped shape the group’s raw blues sound that later catapulted them to international fame.

Shaping Rock History

When Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page cycled through the Yardbirds, Dreja remained the constant presence, contributing both musically and visually—famously sketching the cover art for their 1966 album Roger the Engineer. His versatility allowed him to move from rhythm guitar to bass as the band evolved, playing on hits like For Your Love and Heart Full of Soul. Though offered a spot in Led Zeppelin’s earliest lineup, Dreja chose to pursue photography, even shooting the iconic back cover portrait of Zeppelin’s debut record.

Legacy Beyond the Yardbirds

Dreja’s creative path included a return to music with the Yardbirds’ later reunions and with the side project Box of Frogs in the 1980s. He remained tied to the group until health setbacks forced his retirement in 2013. Remembered for his artistry, steady presence, and contributions that helped bridge blues with rock innovation, Dreja leaves behind a legacy etched into the foundations of classic rock.